Legendary NY rapper confirms Superbowl performance from Kendrick Lamar will include controversial ‘Not Like Us’ track

Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" confirmed by Fat Joe to be included in the 2025 Super Bowl half-time show.

Legendary NY rapper confirms Superbowl performance from Kendrick Lamar will include controversial ‘Not Like Us’ track

Kendrick Lamar (image via Vanity Fair)

Kendrick Lamar has headlined most of the rap lists this season, making him a controversial shoo-in in the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show. Despite past tensions with fellow artist Drake, fans believe the rap megastar is here to stay. One of those fans is legendary rapper Fat Joe, who recently shared his thoughts on Lamar’s impact.

On a recent episode of Carmelo Anthony‘s podcast, 7PM in Brooklyn, guest rapper Fat Joe reflected on the ubiquitous influence of Kendrick Lamar. In addition, the group talked about the rapper’s setlist for the Super Bowl and the inclusion of the controversial song, ‘Not Like Us’.

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Rapper Fat Joe esteemed it an obvious occurrence, foreseeing the song’s long stay. To everybody’s enthusiasm and no surprise, the rapper assured the people were not getting rid of the song. Suffice it to say, he proceeded to gush about it for the rest of the segment.

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The Super Bowl is geared towards Not Like Us. The football players want to see Not Like Us, the country wanna see ‘Not Like Us.’

Fat Joe on Kendrick Lamar

The song in question, a diss track aimed at Drake, quickly became a massive hit thanks to its provocative and cryptic lyrics. As a fan, Fat Joe opened up about the track’s impact, admitting that it captured all the emotions of being caught in a feud with Drake. He even confessed to feeling a tinge of envy, wishing he had been the one to write the song. Ultimately, Kendrick Lamar succeeded in delivering a powerful message that left audiences feeling the weight of the statement, “They not like us.”

The announcement featuring Lamar headlining the upcoming Super Bowl was subject to huge controversy. Majorly it so happens because of fans’ expectations of Lil Wayne‘s inclusion due to his significant contribution to the music industry. Due to the sensitivity of the song, the fans speculate that Lamar would get into legal trouble provided he performs the song.

Drake collaborates with the NFL ahead of rival Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show

Kendrick Lamar and Drake might have unofficially concluded the rap battle, yet, the latter has some tricks up his sleeve. The ‘God’s Plan’ singer recently announced his collaboration with the NFL via his clothing brand, October’s Very Own (OVO). The partnership has left the internet users in a state of perplexity from the league’s end.

The partnership quickly drew attention, with the users expressing their opinions. The majority were left confused as to the NFL’s intention considering their choice for the Super Bowl was Kendrick Lamar. The merch correspondently came less than two months before the event.

The collaboration, as announced on 11 December, featured the OVO feat NFL ‘Gridiron Collection’. The collection had football-inspired apparel with the brand logo. The brand’s jackets and pullovers for the team are the highlighted set.